1. Tasc Pants- There are so many reasons why I chose these, but the number one reason is they are anti odor! Everyone’s gotta love that! They also are moisture wicking and just the right thickness to keep you warm on those chilly fall runs. These pants are super soft, have a UPF of 50, and made out of bamboo!

2. Mizuno quarter zip jacket- this thing seems like it wouldn’t keep you warm lower than 70 degrees but Mizuno has you fooled! This jacket is made out of breathe thermo technology that traps escaping body sweat, makes it warm, and returns it back to the body. It is never fun finishing a run and freezing by your cold sweat.

3. Mizuno knitted hat- this hat has the same breath thermo technology as the jacket. I am also sure that maroon is in this season. So this hat is a win win in my book.

4. Oiselle Lux Runfinity scarf- I have yet to meet a girl who doesn’t love scarves. I picked this scarf because it can go from the active look to the trendy look. I love a product with multiple uses. This scarf is also very soft and sure to keep you warm from the brisk fall winds.

5. Saucony Socks- Anyone’s ankles ever get cold because your leggings are a couple inches away from your socks? Well these socks have little bit of a lip to help that issue. They are also sure to keep your feet dry, little bit of arch stability, and keep you blister free. Runners hate blisters. These will help with that.

The New Runner Mom,

Kelli

Greg's 5 Picks for the Changing Seasons!

Hey guys I think I’ve got some items here that should be a must have in the tool get for running outside year-round. Things I look for when shopping for running gear are soft textures, wind protection, and comfortable fit.

Being more of a clydesdale runner finding the right fit is not always very easy – a simple rule of thumb for me is going up a size when comparing my running clothes to my regular clothes. For example if I buy a regular t-shirt my size is usually large; however, if I’m buying a tech performance tee at a running specialty outfitter I usually go with the extra large.

My five items in no particular order.

Sugoi Midzero Wind Boxer: This item is essential on below zero days and high South Dakota wind days. When doing battle with the elements all guys should at first consider their protection below the waist first. The Sugoi Midzero Wind Boxer is a full protection underlayer that allows performance and comfort.

Balaga Natural Fiber Performance Mohair Wool Sock: Mohair comes from the Angora goat – it is both durable and resilient. Mohair is known as the diamond fiber and in this incredible sock it has been blended with Drynamix moisture management yarn by Balaga. This sock wicks moisture away from your feet while keeping it roasty toasty on even the coolest of days.

TASC Half-Zip Pullover: Must I say more than Bamboo? TASC does a great job creating garments that utilize Bamboo Performance Technology. Their clothing items are the softest I’ve ever felt. The Half-Zip Pullover is not only soft and warm, but because it uses Bamboo it also wicks away moisture. This item is also multi-purpose as it looks classy enough to wear to church (just make sure you wash it first).

Mizuno Breath Thermal Wind Pants: Mizuno Breath Thermal Technology wicks moisture away and generates heat. These have quickly become my go-to pant for conditions under 30 degrees. With special panals designed to block wind and moisture they are perfect in any conditions. They are also a stadium cut which is ideal for me. What that means is that they are not super tight like running tights, but not super baggy like track pants.

Pearl Izumi N2 Trail v2: I am obsessed with Pearl Izumi shoes – there I said it! The seamless upper construction, minimal heel drop, and responsive soles have me coming back to this brand more-and-more. I’ve had the opportunity to wear test this shoe for the past few months and it is incredible. With multi-directional lugs this shoe can handle any terrain. I especially like the sausage link style laces that truly allow me to lock my fit with the shoe.

Cooler weather is coming very quickly. One of the mistakes many runners make, is not staying hydrated enough when the weather turns cold. It’s easy to overlook hydration in the fall/winter months, because the effects are less obvious. In the summer, we are constantly reminded by our sweat drenched clothes to take in more fluids. Sweat actually evaporates more quickly in cold air. Giving us the illusion that we aren’t using as many fluids. Also, the body works much harder in the fall/winter months. The extra weight from wearing more layers, can cause more sweating than you might be aware of. Another major factor, is we lose more water in cold air through the respiratory system. When we see our breath, it’s actually water vapor, contributing to our dehydration. Lastly, our thirst response is diminished by up to 40% in the winter months. So make sure you are consuming at least half your body weight in ounces of water a day. It’s also a good idea to use Nuun tabs or some other form of electrolytes when drinking water away from meals.

I could probably end my recap there and it would be enough, but for the benefit of the reader (and really, my own therapeutic well-being), I'll keep going.

After running four marathons in 2011/2012 (Lincoln, Chicago, Boston, New York/Springfield - which is an entirely different blog post), I decided 2015 would be the time to try and get back on the horse by running the Twin Cities Marathon in Minneapolis. My goal was simple, and I thought do-able; sub-2:40. I had ran my previous marathons in 2:51, and although that's a big chunk to cut off at once, I had the training (or so I thought) to be able to do it. I especially thought that having some experience running the distance would allow me to run a smarter first half than previous marathons.

However, Sunday October 4th was not my day. I have all my splits on my watch, but I haven't had the heart to look at them since race day. The first half was exactly on pace; I was running just where I wanted to (6:01 average through half...1:18:18). However, shortly after the half, I fell apart. Mile by mile, things kept getting worse and worse. By mile 21, I was running 7:45's (bringing by 21 mile average to 6:19/mile), and it just got worse from there. I ended up running my second half of the race in 1:39:36 (7:35/mile).

To be completely honest, there were times over the last 10k where I considered dropping out. I was frustrated things didn't go my way, I was tired, my back/hips were spazzing...I just wanted to be done. There was even one point at mile 24 or 25, I think, where I ran over to the runner "drop out" zone, but I realized it would just be quicker to get to the finish if I ran (crawled) than if I took the bus (plus, this way I would get my t-shirt/medal). Friends from Nebraska (who were passing me in the race) kept me going; probably more so, the thought of having to explain to the cross country kids I help coach in Elkhorn why I quit kept me going (I mean, what would I say to them? "Oh, I got really tired and wasn't running well, so I just quit; and it's OK if you do the same.").

In the end, it was not a good day for me to run a marathon, but I was able to pick up a few positives: 1) I finished (and considering the thoughts that went through my head, that's a win) 2) I ran under 3:00 and 3) I got in a Boston Qualifier. I've already decided that my next marathon will be a "run" and not a "race". Too many bad experiences trying to race the distance.

On the other hand, another couple that went on the trip with me ran really well. Luke Christiansen (pictured above) ran exactly how I wanted to, finishing in 2:41:28 (2nd Nebraskan to finish), and his wife, Heather, ran 3:13:06 (1st Nebraska to finish). Getting to see those two run so well after all the work they put in gave me some hope that the marathon isn't always so cruel.

I've really enjoyed training in the Saucony Ride 8. This is a neutral cushion shoe weighing in at 9.4 oz. The heel toe offset is 8mm and the shoe breathes really well. I'm really close to calling this shoe my Good Life Halfsy race day shoe - I'd like to do a 10 miler at the Wednesday group run to know for sure. Who wants to join me?